Ceili of the Valley Society and Willamette Valley Pipes and Drums lead the charge of everything Irish and GREEN on March 14th and hit the sidewalks for a walk-about through downtown Salem. A few wee folks joined in our last event, St. Patrick’s Day Walk-About, before the Coronavirus “Stay Home, Save Lives” order.
Showing through February 19, 2020 At Pringle Park Plaza, 390 Liberty St SE, Salem
This exhibit is an exploration of the seven Celtic cultures: Brittany, Cornwall, Galicia, Ireland, Isle of Mann, Scotland & Wales through customs, celebrations and more.
SALEM SAMHAIN FESTIVAL
A great way to spend a Saturday, even if you don’t have a Celtic bone in your body. The enticing aromas of Celtic food, particularly cock-a-leeky and bubble and squeak soup, permeated the venue but sold out too quickly. It was truly first come, first served. Multiple vendors displayed their wares so if you were searching for a wee gift for Christmas you would have had a good selection. The jewelry was particularly outstanding and such a large selection of Celtic items wouldn’t be found in any store. Perhaps it could be found online but at the festival you could see and feel it. Talent galore was on display, and not just in the jewelry craft. Some of our members were performing, including Christina and Victoria White who demonstrated Irish step dancing, and Maldon and Phil Meehan who demonstrated sean nos dancing. Newest AICS member Mary Carey was also on stage with an Irish song and the young dancers from the Oregon Irish Dance Academy demonstrated how much they have learned, to the delight of parents and onlookers.
A dedicated group of AICS members worked our tables, led by Julie and Jim O’Connell pictured below. Julie cleverly made some delicious scones to attract browsers to our table – and it worked! As you can see in the background of the photo numerous AICS events were highlighted and enticed Comhaltas member Mary Carey, seated at the next table, to join. Early birds Jim and Julie were reinforced by Louise Martell and Mary Rose Kerg who stayed until the remains of the day were done. A truly enjoyable and informative day.
Keep your dancing shoes on! Ceili of the Valley Society holds their 2nd Friday Ceili’s all summer long at the air-conditioned VFW Hall!!
Many friends came to our March Ceili mor and Raffle to join in dancing with music provided by amazing musicians: Jake Greico, Brian O’ hAirt, and Nancy Conescu.
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Ceili of the Valley will be out and about.
There will be a walk-about, March 16th, starting at the carousel at Salem Riverfront Park. Wee folks, leprechauns, and pets will leave promptly at 12:00 noon to walk-about Salem. Join this fun!
Ceili of the Valley will also be spreading fun and performing at: Hallman Elementary, McMinnville Brookdale Senior Living, Windsor Health & Rehabilitation, Cedar Village, Camp Fire Group, Salem & Albany Bonaventure, and Montessori .
2019 started off with a bang with 27 of us dancing off those holiday goodies!
Thanks to all who came to our first class on a rainy Tuesday night!
Fun was had by all at our December Ceili and annual Silent Auction Fundraiser. Around 55 people attended, danced, had fun and did some holiday shopping. We had around 60 auction items and raised around $1,000. Since Ceili of the Valley Society is a 501(c)(3) 
nonprofit, the money goes towards community Ceili’s, Samhain Celtic New Year festival, and participation in community events. Thanks to all that either donated auction items or made purchases. Go to our webpage: Thank-you for Donations that shows businesses and individuals who donated to our auction.
Na Rosai